Lake Forest’s veterans and families were honored Tuesday during the annual LFHS Veterans Day assembly.

The ceremony was hosted in the Raymond Moore Auditorium in partnership with the Lake Forest American Legion Post 264, the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization.

While being “committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in the community,” the Post spreads patriotism and honor in devotion to service members as well as fellow veterans.

The ceremony was hosted by selected seniors, Sufyan Hussain and Aubrey Griffith. It included powerful performances by the LFHS chorus and band, which featured standout vocals from senior Lily Kienzle. Additionally, the program also included a keynote address by retired Navy SEAL and Bronze Star recipient Mr. Mark Dodd was given along with the recognition of Local Veteran of the Year, and the announcement of the Veteran’s Day art and writing contest winners. 

For opening remarks, Principle Dr. Erin Lenart gave a speech offering recognition to the courage and presence that local veterans make in our communities every day. As a military spouse, she exclaims how Veterans Day has, and always will rule a personal meaning to her.

“I’ve seen how service shapes lives, not just for those in uniforms, but for the families and communities that stand behind them,” Lenart said. “We hope today’s ceremony inspires you to pause and reflect, to recognize the quiet power of service and hearing forward the spirit of gratitude and community that our veterans exemplify every single day.”

Following opening remarks, retired Navy SEAL and Bronze Star recipient Mr. Mark Dodd gave a heartfelt speech regarding the themes of brotherhood, commitment to oneself, and personal growth. 

Before recruiting young men to join the service, Dodd was met with his own passion and desire to preserve patriotism and loyalty to our country. 

Dodd opened his speech with an anecdote connecting to his initial allegiance with the United States Military. 

“When I was your guy’s age, sitting in this crowd, I had no idea, no thought of ever being in the military,” Dodd said. 

Dodd’s speech focused on the good fortune of working with his fellow service members and offered insight from the specific missions he honorably served while in active duty. From protecting women’s educational rights in Afghanistan to being chosen as President Bush’s personal body guard for a week, Dodd emphasizes the real strength he gained through his service, more specifically, through the missions completed in duty.

In Dodd’s words, the most important part of serving was not letting your fellow servicemen down.

“We didn’t want our brothers to be let down, so that commitment, that brotherhood is really brought out, and it’s only found in the military. You get it into some team sports, but to a level when your life is on the line and your buddy’s life is on the line, that is only a feeling the military gives you,”  Dodd said.

To close, Dodd explained the difference between motivation and discipline. He stressed the importance of having discipline in all areas of life, in order to achieve success and meet high standards. He encouraged each student in the audience to “look at every day as your mission, since every day has a mission to it.”

“I’d encourage you to dedicate yourself to get stronger, smarter, faster, wiser, and in some cases, kinder. It’ll be rewarding, and you’re on a consopathic growth. That’s what the military does. You’re constantly updating and reevaluating how to defeat an enemy,” Dodd said.

Since leaving active service, Dodd’s current job includes “scanning high schools and colleges across the nation to find young men who want and can be a U.S. Navy SEAL.”

Annually, the American Legion sponsors a contest that allows students a chance to honor veterans in the community. Students are asked to showcase what Veterans Day means to them, and they are able to choose their preferred form of expression. Members of the American Legion review each entry carefully and collectively vote on a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner. 

Gabrielle Burke, who created a mixed media art piece portraying an American fighter jet, took third. It sought to symbolize the strength and dedication of the United States armed forces. In her words, “Veterans have given weight to American military strength. This motivation lingers throughout our forces, reminding them of what’s at stake and what matters.”

Second Place: The second place winner was digital art created by Ava Pasquesi. Her high contrasted art work featured a linear perspective forming a tunnel, driving the viewer’s eye into the background, which featured an American flag. Two silhouettes stand in the center of the art piece, visually connected to the flag that serves as the focal point at the tunnel’s end. 

First Place: The first place winner was an essay written by Giada Kirar, the daughter of a 22 year Navy commander. Her essay explores the connection she has to her father’s service and how his sacrifice has shaped the way she views the work today. Her essay demonstrates that Veterans Day means more than honor alone, beautifully expressing the gratitude she feels for those who have served. 

“Veterans Day has taught me that the heart of service is community. People coming together in gratitude, pride and respect, whether it’s family supporting their loved ones or strangers thanking a veteran, this day shows how deeply connected we are as Americans,” Kirar said. 

Along with the students awards, The Lake Forest American Legion Post 284 awards a veteran from our community with the Veteran of the Year distinction. This year, retired artillery officer and advisor to the South Vietnamese Airborne Corps member, Alan Champ, was distinguished as the 2025 Veteran of the Year. 

Graduating West Point as class of 1960, Champ went on to serve in the military, selflessly sacrificing his life for the greater good of the country. His loyal cooperation, as well as his outstanding service to the community and nation, was specially recognized and appreciated. 

Within the ceremony, the LFHS band performed songs that corresponded to each branch of service. LFHS students, staff, and veterans within the community were invited to stand in recognition when the band played the song representing the branch in which either they served or had family serve.

To conclude the event, Dr. Lenart gave closing remarks, including a thanks to American Legion Post 284 for hosting and supporting the event, and for creating a special day of remembrance for the entire LFHS community. 

The audience was left remembering that veterans aren’t just a part of history, but a part of our everyday lives. We see them active in the community, passing through hallways, coaching our teams, and teaching us life lessons. The hour event left a lasting impression on attendees, serving as a reminder of the sacrifice our Veterans have committed to the country and its citizens.

“Service doesn’t end with military retirement or discharge, it becomes a mindset. A way of living marked by responsibility, humility, and care for others. It is embedded in our community, not just through speeches and through ceremonies like these, but through everyday acts of leadership and quiet sacrifice,” Lenart said.